Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionUnder Federal Tax Authority Decision No. 17 of 2026, UAE businesses can recover input VAT on six categories of employee expenses following rules that took effect on October 1. Eligible expenses include transport, accommodation, mobile services, and parking, subject to documented policies or contractual obligations. Taxable entities must retain compliance documentation for tax audits.
The UAE Financial Intelligence Unit and Dubai's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate anti-money laundering enforcement. The agreement establishes formal channels for exchanging supervisory data, intelligence, and regulatory insight on virtual asset service providers. It aims to strengthen compliance supervision across Dubai's mainland, free zones, and special development zones.
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has introduced mandatory limits on sodium, sugar, and saturated fats in selected packaged food items. The phased requirements apply to domestic and imported goods, with full compliance required by December 31, 2030. Non-compliant businesses face fines reaching up to Dh500,000.
Eurowings is expanding its winter 2026/2027 network from Germany with scheduled services across the Middle East, including new flights to Baghdad starting December 10, 2026. The carrier will operate 14 weekly flights to Dubai, alongside services to Jeddah, Erbil, Tel Aviv, Amman, and Beirut. Eurowings will also roll out its Premium BIZ Seat cabin on all Dubai flights beginning December 1, 2026.
Chinese direct investment in the UAE surpassed $12 billion in 2025 as Chinese technology initiatives expanded across cloud computing and digital services. Concurrently, US export rules require Gulf nations to strip Chinese hardware from core networks to maintain access to advanced American AI semiconductors. UAE firms like G42 have removed Chinese equipment, balancing deepening Chinese commercial ties against American technological conditions.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
China is increasingly integrating its new quality productive forces framework into Gulf diversification programs, spanning renewable energy, AI, and digital networks. Gulf sovereign wealth funds and technology firms are adjusting their investment strategies amid mounting U.S.-China technological competition and regional risks. Meanwhile, Chinese firms are expanding industrial footprints in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman.
Abu Dhabi reduced the cost of delivering government services by more than 30% between 2022 and 2025, while public satisfaction rose from 78% to 92%, according to the Department of Government Enablement. Speaking at the AI Everything summit, an official credited the integration of artificial intelligence and automated agents on the Tamm platform. Abu Dhabi continues to pursue its goal of operating a fully AI-native government by 2027.
A senior UAE official stated that countries must create independent evaluation frameworks rather than expecting the global artificial intelligence race to decelerate. Speaking at a technology summit in Abu Dhabi, he noted that developers should not be solely responsible for certifying their own AI systems. He also advocated for adaptive benchmarks that align with the critical nature of specific AI applications.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
Ant International and HSBC have expanded their collaboration to provide real-time treasury management services across the Middle East using HSBC's Tokenised Deposit Service. The companies completed pilot transactions connecting the UAE and Hong Kong for domestic dirham and cross-border US dollar transfers. Ant International is HSBC's first corporate client in the Middle East to utilise the tokenised deposit infrastructure.
Speaking at the Ai Everything conference in Abu Dhabi, Mistral AI CEO Arthur Mensch stated that independence from the United States and China is driving the firm's growth across the Gulf and Asia-Pacific. Mensch claimed the company's latest model outperforms Chinese models in cybersecurity, pointing to substantial market demand for alternative technology suppliers.
More than 10,000 autonomous taxis and delivery vans are expected to operate across the UAE next year, with procurement orders already placed. According to a senior UAE official speaking at the AI Everything Abu Dhabi summit, the rollout would position the UAE as the largest operator of autonomous taxis and vans outside China.
Countries across Asia and the Middle East are accelerating preparations to commercialize electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, though no market has launched regular paid passenger operations as of early October 2026. China leads in unmanned operations with EHang logging over 3,000 flights, while Dubai has contracted US-based Joby Aviation for piloted services under a six-year exclusive deal. Licensing, safety approvals, and infrastructure remain the primary global hurdles to commercial launch.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Energy & Sustainability
Kenmare Resources shares surged 36% after confirming a non-binding cash takeover proposal from Abu Dhabi-based International Resources Holdings RSC Ltd (IRH). The London- and Dublin-listed mineral sands producer stated that discussions are ongoing, though a firm offer remains uncertain. The market move values the titanium feedstock producer at approximately £220 million.
Technology & Digital Economy
The second edition of the Ai Everything summit opened at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi on October 6, 2026. The two-day event gathers over 400 technology companies, 150 startups, and 200 global investors to address real-world artificial intelligence deployment. The summit supports Abu Dhabi's strategic initiative to transition into an AI-native government by 2027.
Logistics & Trade
Autonomous delivery vehicles and robotaxis are expanding across the UAE, with officials projecting thousands of autonomous taxis in operation by next year. Speaking at the AI Everything 2026 summit, officials stated the UAE aims to become the largest deployer of autonomous taxis outside China. Abu Dhabi is also targeting becoming an AI-native government by 2027.
Finance & Investment
At the Presight Future Forum in Abu Dhabi, Chief Executive Thomas Pramotedham stated that turning AI ideas into revenue and navigating corporate change remain the sector's primary challenges. The Abu Dhabi-based firm unveiled its FutureSight platform to connect international founders with enterprise customers, government entities, and capital providers. Industry data cited shows that while 89% of firms use AI, only 6% report significant financial returns.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
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Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
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